Multiple Choice Questions (2 points each) :
Circle the letter of the best answer for each statement.

1. The type of cell that guides the migration of neurons and the growth of their axons and dendrites during embryonic development is a(n) _______________.

a. microglia
b. Schwann cell
c. oligodendrocyte
d. radial glia
e. Pyramidal cell

2. The mechanism that prevents or slows some chemicals from entering the brain, while allowing others to enter is called _______________.

a. the blood brain barrier
b. concentration gradient
c. electrical gradient
d. hyperpolarization
e. presynaptic inhibition

3. Toxins, such as scorpion venom work by ______________.

a. preventing Na+ channels from opening
b. opening K+ channels
c. opening Na+ channels
d. closing K+ channels
e. both c and d

4. When a neuron is at rest (i.e., at its resting membrane potential), ________

a. the inside of the cell is more negative than the outside of the cell
b. the outside of the cell is more negative than the inside of the cell
c. the inside and outside of the cell have the same charge
d. the neuron is said to be refractory
e. the neuron's threshold has been reached

5. Which of the following is not a neurotransmitter ?

a. GABA
b. glutamate
c. caffeine
d. norepinephrine
e. dopamine

1. (4 pts) Distinquish between proximate and ultimate causes of behavior. Give an example of each.

2. (3 pts) As a neurochemist in a pharmaceutical company, your assignment is to design a drug that acts to increase the levels of neurotransmitter Z in the synaptic cleft. Briefly describe at least three ways that a drug could increase the amount of a neurotransmitter that is present in the synaptic cleft. (Hint : consider when/why a neurotransmitter is found in the synaptic cleft).

Students should know the specific mechanisms of these drugs/ neurotransmitters : AChE and its inhibitors, alcohol, benzodiazepines, caffeine, GABA, glutamate, opiates

Multiple Choice

1. d
2. a
3. e
4. a
5. c

Short Answer

1. a. proximate

• physiological (e.g., elevated hormone levels increase the behavior)
  
• ontogenetic = developmental (e.g., the bird was exposed to the song during its sensitive period)